I understand that Brazil requires passports to have expiration date beyond 6 months of entry date. How strict is this? A family member has a passport that expires 2/15/10 but we will be arriving Rio on 8/29/09, and departing 9/6/09. Should we get it renewed?

I not sure what your citizenship is, but if you need a visa (Americans do), they may not even issue the visa without the 6 months validity. If you are admitted could depend on the agent upon arrival, but is it worth taking the chance? It will need to be renewed anyway, so why not do it now and eliminate the possibility of being denied attimance?